I did it!!!!

I know it may not be the best looking blog out there but it's different and new. To me it is refreshing to see a difference. I hope to see a lot of different in my life. That is my goal as I think about my GOAL!!!

Help

April 17, 2011

I NEED HELP!!!!!!

I really want to change the way my blog looks and works for me. I feel like such a computer idiot. I need help. Can anyone tell me where to go to get a really nice blog appearance that is easy for someone like me. You know, someone who cannot figure out computer "stuff" without very much frustration.

AND everytime I decide to look at my blog and think I will start writing, there is this little box that appears and follows me everywhere and I CANNOT get it to go away!!!!

Can you tell I'm just a little frustrated. I want to write...but I want it to look nice and I want to know what I'm doing!!!!!

Hello World - 2011

2011

Fifty years ago this August 18th I was born into this world. God knew me before I was created, He knows how many hairs are on my head (even the grey ones I try to keep covered with color) and He knows how many days I have on this earth.

When I think of the days he has given me thus far, I think of how many have been wasted on absolutely nothing. I think of the most memorable days...some of the absolute best days and some of the absolute worst days. And more than either of those are the days I don't even remember!!!!

I can honestly say that I did not think I would be here, like this, in this place at this age. I thought I would be more of a grown up, act like a grown up, feel like a grown up. It just doesn't feel like I thought it would feel.

I'm at a new place in life. My children are grown, one graduates college in May and the other is married. My birth son will be 26 this year. Seriously. How do these things happen? They have lives of their own now and I am not defined by them any longer. How long has it been since I have been called "Zach's mom" or "Kristyn's mom". Quite some time actually. I think for the last year I have been in a kind of shock at the fact that my kids are grown and don't need me like they used too. It has been a huge adjustment for me but I think I'm finally coming out of the shock and realizing that this can be a good thing. I need to see this as the glass is half full not empty. Which brings me to this...

What will I do now. It's time to concentrate on what to do with the rest of the days the Lord has for me on this earth. To discover what He has for me, to discover who I am within myself and what do I really want out of this life. That is a lot of discovering.

In 2011 I hope to...(Mind you this is NOT a New Years Resolution, just some things I want to work on for the rest of MY LIFE)

Reconnect with God in a way I haven't in quite some time. I'm working at memorizing scripture this year...hard work for someone who can't remember yesterday at times. I know this will have to be intervention on His part for this to work :) I did memorize my first verse and am starting my second verse today. If you are interested in where I came up with this idea go to Beth Moore's website and look at the Siesta Scripture memorization part. Just google her!

Develop some new relationships and reignite some old relationships. I have been on some what of a sabbatical from relationships for a while. Because of things that have gone on in my life for the last few years, I just have not had the mental, physical or spiritual energy to do relationships very well. I miss that part of my life.

I know this is age old but I must become an adult when it comes to my health. You know those two ugly "E" words...Exercise and Eating right. Why can't I be one of you people that love to go for a run or work out and love to eat rabbit food everyday and not much of it at that!!!! How do I join this club and become a lifetime member...I have to find a way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just read over what I have written and see what I need. Someone that would like to be in relation with me, exercise with me and learn scripture with me and it could all be done at the same time. Hmmmm, interesting. Funny! I cannot even talk while exercising much less have conversation or quote scripture to someone out loud. It takes all I have to BREATHE!

I have crocheting to do and reading to do that have been on hold for a little while. I also have more movies to see this year. I so enjoy going to the movies and having popcorn with butter and I DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP MY POPCORN!!! I have my popcorn routine down to a fine art...and I really don't like for it to be bothered :)

I also hope to write more as I try to clean house with my mental and emotional self. Should make for some interesting writing.

Well old blog friend of mine, it's nice to catch up and maybe we will meet more often this year. It is my hope.

Hello Blog World...I have a new job!!!!

I cannot believe how long it has been since I have blogged. I think about writing all the time but I either don't have my computer (Zach has it had it lately) or I'm to tired!

I have a new job!!! I started working at Bethany Christian Services about 3 weeks ago. For those of you who do not know, it is a Christian Adoption Agency. We work with birth moms and adoptive parents and adoptees. Its called the adoption triad.

It's kind of interesting. I have a friend in Louisville, Kentucky and a friend in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Both have gone to work for ministries of different kinds. This truly intrigues me. So, I began to pray that God would allow me to work at a ministry. The next thing I know I get an email from Becky, director, telling me about a job she has available and giving a description of the job. It was what I had prayed for. Does make me smile! We emailed and the rest as they say is history. God is faithful, even when I cannot grasp His faithfulness!

I have volunteered with Bethany for about 22 years and even worked there for a short time many years ago. I love the job and the ministry, of course it is so close to my heart.

The hard part has been getting up so early every day and making that commute to Little Rock. It takes me almost an hour to get there! Crazy! Who knows what it will be like when school starts. I just get my coffee from McDonalds and drink it on the way and listen to the radio or pray or talk to friends. I do not text though, I promise. I can't see well enough to text!

I work Monday and Wednesdays 8:30 - 5:00 and Tuesday and Thursdays 8:30 - 12:30. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I go to my job at the church where I do their books. So between the two I'm working almost full time. It has been a long long time since I have worked this much. But, I think it is good for me (would be better if I could sleep better at night)and if/when I go to 30 hours a week at Bethany I will qualify for insurance. This is a huge comfort to me!

On a side note, we are having an open house this Sunday the 15th. I'm praying for a buyer!!!

Just wanted to check in and maybe get started back writing. Have a great day!

May

May 2010. How does time go so quickly...each year passing like Christmas morning. The world refuses to stand still for anyone but God alone. No matter the happy times, sad times, devastating times, the world continues to move on. People continue to move on. It is the right thing to happen but sometimes wouldn't it be nice if we could all just stop for a moment and breathe. Just take in what is around us, enjoy the ones we love, be rid of the anger or resentment that we might have in our hearts. Just be still and wander in God's Glory. Believe that He loves us, each one of us. More than we can fathom, if you are a Mom, can you imagine He loves us more than we love our own children. Here is the kicker, He wants us to love Him more than we love our own children. Can I do this? It is my desire. It is my desire to put Him first.
It has been a long long time since I have felt this way. I feel like I have been walking in the dessert for the past 2.5 to 6 years. I cannot imagine 40 years. I latch on and am ready to be in a daily walk and something happens and I fall off. I commit to what He wants me to do, something bad happens and I fall and think ok God, I know you can't use me now. But, He says come on back, tie yourself back to me, we will use this as part of your story too. He never turns His back on me. He longs for me to get that He is not going to leave me nor forsake me. When will I believe and trust Him for this. What could He do with me if I would only completely surrender, wholeheartedly.
The time is now, will I act? How about you and how about me, do you/I feel the deep longing in our souls to be sold out 100% to the ONE that loves us more than any other? Is there a purpose in your/my life that we know God has given us? Have you/I stepped out in faith and just jumped off the cliff and been set free? Could today be the day for you/me? He does not fail, He will catch us and He will set us free, you and I, we just have to be willing.
"Your name and renown (fame) are the desire of our hearts. My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you." Isaiah 26:8-9

Cajun Shrimp Anyone?

I decided to do a simple task today and go to the mall to buy a bottle of Cajun Shrimp OPI nail polish. I ventured into Trade Secrets to discover they were out of the color I was looking for. Of course, I had to check out all of their colors and did find a color that I thought I liked. It is OPI Red My Fortune Cookie. But, I really wanted to know what Cajun Shrimp looked like. So, I ventured on down to Regis Hair Salon to see if they had any...why yes as a matter of fact they did. So, I bought me a bottle.

I then decided to go back to Trade Secrets to compare my new fun bottle of Cajun Shrimp to Red My Fortune Cookie. I looked at them and looked at them and finally decided what the heck, I'm going to get this bottle too. So, I made my purchase, the nice lady put both bottles gently into a bag and off I went.

I got in the ol Tahoe, put my keys in the ignition, locked the doors of course (I wouldn't want anyone to try to get me!), and had the thought to get my other color out and put it on another nail to see just which one I thought was the prettiest and the funnest. I put my hand in the bag and felt something wet. When I pulled my hand out it is covered in a lovely color of Cajun Shrimp or Red My Fortune Cookie. Now, I'm not sure how this next step happened BUT I ended up with the nail polish ALL OVER the front and back of BOTH of my hands. Now, I didn't know which color it was at the time because I had my sunglasses on and not my reading glasses. I could have no more read the bottom of that bottle than the man in the moon. So, I have to figure out a way to get the keys out of the ignition, unlock the car and get out of it and shut it without having nail polish all over everything I own.

God loves to keep me humble...I go walking back into the mall with my hands straight up in the air, covered in nail polish and carrying the bag that is full of the nail polish. I got to Trade Secrets first because its closest and wouldn't it be nice if it was the bottle of polish I bought from them so I wouldn't have to walk ALL THE WAY down to the other salon. Of course, when they see me their eyes get big and they say OH NO what happened. I tell them I don't know and could they please read the bottle that is broken because I can't see. Well, as you might know, the polish that was broken was Cajun Shrimp from none other than the other salon. Trade Secrets lady said she would clean up the other bottle while I go to the other salon with hands held high in the air.

I pass a lady as I'm walking and she looks at my hands and says oh no that's not good...yes I know its not. I walk into Regas and the poor little girl is mortified, her eyes get the size of Texas. What happened, she asked. I tell her my story with my hands still held high. They look at the bottle, which we find out is cracked down the side and must have just poured out when laid on its side,and says lets get you cleaned up. She ends up standing in front of their counter with a hair towel pouring finger nail polish remover on it scrubbing my left hand. After she gets it off of my left hand she gives it to me to get it off of my right hand. They find me another bottle of Cajun Shrimp, let me go wash my hands and send me on my way.

As I'm walking back to Trade Secrets to get my other bottle of polish, I pass the same daggum lady. She says, well you got it taken care of, didn't you. Yes, yes I did. The lady at Trade Secrets hands me my cleaned up bottle and I am on my way.

The entire time I'm going through this most embarrassing process all I think about is why can't my daughter or my friends be with me during this humiliating and funny time of my life. I mean seriously they probably would have peed their pants.

I still have a Cajun Shrimp tint to my hands but all is well now. Oh, except my car smells like a bottle of finger nail polish and I am the happy owner of Cajun Shrimp and Red My Fortune Cookie. Do you think OPI would like for me to do a commercial for them. "Woman does anything to get one of our bottles of polish!!!!"

Just a day in the life...

Goodbye to a dear, sweet lady!

I went to a funeral today. I went to a funeral for a woman I had not seen in years but loved her so much. I went to a funeral today and the emotions overcame me. They started to play the piano, the organ and the sweet hymns of old and I knew that this sweet lady was with the Lord and I knew the Lord was in that place.

Sweet Nadyne Swaffer...a woman you couldn't help but to love! One of the sweetest, if not the sweetest, women I have ever had the honor of knowing. I worked with her at Little Rocks First Baptist Church. She was, until last Thursday, the receptionist plus so much more at the church and had been working there for somewhere around 25 years. She was 70 years old. In our office we were in a pod type room. There were 3 pastors, 2 secretaries and Nadyne. The way the room was set I could hear everything Nadyne said to everyone and how she answered the phone each and every time. She never had an ugly word to say about anyone. No matter who you were she made you feel loved and like she had known you for your entire life. I never once heard her answer the phone in a harsh tone or treat anyone as if she didn't want to help them or have time for them. If you have ever been one to answer the phones, you know that is not an easy task and especially not for 25ish years. She was hilarious, although I'm not so sure she meant to be, I think maybe she had some blonde roots but that just added to her sweet disposition.

We had so many laughs in that office! It was the best office to be in, in the church. Great memories! Nadyne, Steve Bushey, Lewie Clark, Dave Lewis, Carmen/Cheryl and me. What a group. A place where we could laugh, cry, work and pray for people. It's where I learned about discipleship and missions. It's where I became intimate with Christ. And whenever I think of the people who have shown Christ to me, Nadyne Swaffer is one of the first to come to my mind.

She had the sweetest southern voice, a gentle soul, the kind of woman I would have loved to have had as a Mom and the kind of woman I would love to be like.

Within about the last month the church had done a series or sermon on suffering and asked Nadyne to be a part of a video. They showed the video today. She read Psalm 57:1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Nadyne's disaster has passed and she is now forever with her God. He had mercy on her and took her home.

Sweet Nadyne you will always be remembered in this heart with the fondest of memories and the kindest of thoughts. My only regret is that I had not seen her in so many years. How I wish I had known she had cancer and how I wish I had gone to see her. I will see her again though and we will have the best of times there - in Heaven!!!!

You Know Your Daughter Is Getting Married When...

You look online at the proof for her wedding invitation. There it is in real life...I mean like she is a real adult getting married. Surely, this is just a little pretend fun my little girl is having, isn't it? No, I don't think so. She is really getting married...the invitation says so.(They are beautiful by the way!)

She calls you to come to a furniture store to see furniture her and her future husband are about to buy for their "home". Oh my...it was like seeing myself 24 years ago. I was very proud of Mitchell, the future husband, for the way he handled himself in his business dealings!!!! It reassured me that I was right in the fact that this man can take care of my daughter.

They are officially registered for wedding gifts. Mitchell was the official "shooter" of the "gun" while they registered. It was fun helping Kristyn look for the wonderful items they were going to register for before they registered. It makes a mom proud to watch her daughter pick out things like her moms. 

People have switched from "oh you have a while to get ready" to "we need shower invitation list" and "oh that is going to be here before you know it." GULP!

You see this beautiful young woman in her wedding gown. Just a glow about her when she has it on. Words are just not there to describe the feeling of seeing your baby walk out in her wedding gown. I will have to ponder this to come up with the appropriate words!

You see all her bridesmaids gather to be fitted for their dresses and try their shoes on! They all looked gorgeous! And even though they don't all see each other all the time, when they come back together, it's like they have never been apart. They just fall right back into their friendships. Love that!

Boxes and containers are being gathered so she can pack up her bedroom. She is leaving for college next week and when she comes back home for semester, she will be getting married. So, she has decided to pack her room COMPLETELY! I cannot hardly go up there! I went up the other morning to tell her bye because she was going out of town. I looked at that room and as I started back down the stairs, I just began to cry! There will be boxes for things to stay with me and boxes to take when she is married. Oh there are so many emotions around this event. When she goes to school next week, she really will not be living with me again. Just coming home for visits to do wedding planning and going to showers and having bridal portraits made. Then, December will be here and she will come home and head to that chapel and walk down that isle and become a Mrs. A Mrs. mind you. This child that I just birthed yesterday and was keeping me up all night because she was a night owl from day 1, is going to be a Mrs. She is going to be a wife. Seriously!

But, you know, a mom can tell when its time for them to leave the nest. I watched Zachary go thru this process and watched as he began to pull away and become his own person and I knew I had to let this happen. (ugh, talk about a weird feeling, going upstairs and seeing his room being clean all the time and his bed always made because he rarely comes home :(. )I see that in her now. It has just been of late that I have began to notice the switch. Be assured it is there, her heart is going to be with Mitchell already and she is preparing to be a wife. She is so excited to make her home with her almost husband. This is how it should be. 

One of my favorites times as of late has been when we have been in the pool and she has no make-up on and her hair is wet and slicked back. She looks like that little girl that I raised instead of the young woman she has become. It is just fun to get a little glimpse back in time. Doesn't last for long though, she may look like my "little girl" but she does not act like a little girl any longer. Oh she has her moments. We can get so tickled that I almost pee my pants (Pretty Woman comment!) Ok, sorry, I have gotten off the beaten path. Starting to head down memory lane, another post perhaps.

Seeing my closet and office fill with bags of stuff being purchased for the wedding. The goal is to have everything possible done before she goes back to school. We are pretty darn close. Granted there is still plenty to do but we are doing great with the planning.

Ok, well I feel better getting all of that out of me. Next week, I will turn 48 and take my daughter to school for the last time. I am so excited for her and I know she is so ready to be married and settled and for this I am grateful. I know its going to be so hard to let her go, I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it but I know its the right thing and all will be well. It will be well with my soul!!!!! I'm Trusting!

As a side bar - I apologize to those of you that I haven't called like I should or gotten with like I should. I don't think I have ever had a summer go by so fast and been so busy. Please be patient with me thru the end of this year. I love you all but my girl is getting married and my boy has been in Fayetteville all summer and they have kept me busy. I'm enjoying it while I can!

Love ya!

 

It's Bailey Anne James who will be 3 months old this Friday, the 24th. She is just so darn cute and hilarious to watch. That first month it was like having a newborn/toddler in the house...about wore me out. We now have our little routine down and she has settled into the family dynamics. She is just a joy to watch. She loves being outside all the time. She chases moths and grass that is blowing and has now discovered a frog that gets on the porch every night, she just barks at that frog. She rarely barks which is nice, I didn't want a yapper!

I KNOW it has been sooooooooooooooo long since I have posted but life has just been a little busy. My sweet Kristyn has been home this summer, going to school, working and we have been planning the big event, her wedding. Her goal is to get everything done that we can possibly get done before she goes back to Fayetteville on August 20th. We have gotten so much done. We have her entire wedding ensemble and the bridesmaids dresses and shoes. We have picked out the flower girls dress. We have the chapel, the reception, the photographer, the cake, the flowers, there have been shower dates planned. It is just rolling right along. It is now less than 5 months away and I cannot believe it. It will be here before we turn around.

When Kristyn goes back to school its going to be really sad for me because that will mean she no longer lives with me. She'll come home for showers etc. and then when the semester is over, she will come home to get married. So surreal. I'm so happy for her and Mitchell but am shocked that this time has come. I want to enjoy every last minute I have with her.

Zach has been in Fayetteville this summer going to school and coaching the West Fork Sr. Babe Ruth baseball team. They came in 1st place for the season, won the championship tournament (I was there for this and it was so exciting!!!! The look on my boys face when they won that game was priceless.) He has now been the assistant coach for the allstar team. This past weekend they went to Jonesboro for the state tourny. They won all their games to become the state champs. How cool is that!!!!! He is done for the summer now. The team goes on to Texas but Zach cannot go.

I guess that is whats happening in my world right now. Hopefully, I will be back sooner to post. I'd love to get a laptop for my birthday, then I would be able to write a lot more!!! We'll see.
Have a great day!

Bailey!

Hi, everyone! It is Kristyn, I'm uploading pictures for "Granny Beth" (the name I decided me and Zach's children should call her...haha). I'm doing the pictures because "Beth" isn't so good at it :)


For Mother's Day this year we decided to get my mom a new puppy. She has made suggestions here and there of getting one...but I knew she would never go all the way... and buy one. So, I set out to find one...and man did I find some crazy people selling dogs. Anyways long story short...I found a lady in Crossett, AR on the internet here "PUPPIES". She was very legit and had a fresh litter of miniature dachshunds. I called her up on the phone and she had a female which is what we wanted. The puppy was chocolate and tan which is so beautiful and something we never had or seen before. She sent me pictures and I fell in love. But, the puppies would not be ready to leave their mom until May 29th. So I went to Petsmart and bought a collar, dachshund key chain, puppy bones, and a puppy toy. Wrapped all the goodies up in a cute puppy "paw" bag and pink tissue paper (because it is a girl) and got a "Congrats on the New Pet" card!
On Mother's Day Eve we sat "Beth" down and made her close her eyes. We placed the bag of goodies in her lap along with my lab top with a picture of the new puppy on the screen. She was so excited and loved her as much as we did. YAY!!
So, today we drove down to Crossett (2 1/2 hours) to see her and made a deposit.


As of today she is officially Moms and we are so happy. My mom also decided a while back if she ever got a new pup she would name her "Bailey"...so folks we got a "Bailey" and we will meet to pick her up to join the family officially on May 29th. It was a great time and she is so darn precious. I hope that "Granny Beth" is pleased and I know they will have fun times together! I love you MOMS!!

The puppies with their mommy (which is very PRETTY)!

Bailey just being...soo very cute! :)
Can you believe how tiny she is?


We love her so much already!!

p.s- If you want to see more pictures of Bailey click here "Beth"!

TO "G"

G,

You left a post on my blog about my friend Robin Wooten. I have no way of responding to you. I'm just wondering who you are.



Who was Robin's new best friend? Where did she work?



Are you the same person that responded a long time ago to my blog about Robin? I had sent that person an email back but never heard from them.

It's just so interesting to me how you found my blog and two people out here in blog land know the same person from so long ago.

I hope to hear back from you. I'm just being curious :)
b

Easter Weekend

Easter 2009!

Friday I went grocery shopping for the kids being h0me and for Easter dinner. When I got home I made a "from scratch" cream cheese pound cake that Zach loves. You bake it and then wrap it alum. foil for 24 hours before cutting. Oh my it is soooo good! I then made the batter for what I call TQ's sugar cookies. My friend TQ gave me the recipe years ago and this is the first time we made them. I put the batter in the frig. for us to make on Saturday. I also made all the easter baskets and hid them so I wouldn't have to do it while they were there!

Zach and Kristyn got home Friday night. We watched Doubt when they got there and just hung out together...love love love this time with them.

Saturday, everyone slept in. The kids are so tired when they get home for a weekend plus I think it just feels good to be in their own beds! We made sugar cookies on and off all day. I rolled out the dough and cut out bunnies, circles, eggs and ice cream cones ( I know these aren't easter but they are so cute). Zach and Kristyn did the decorating, well Kristyn did most of the decorating, Zach only decorated a select few and they were quite interesting. He decided one of the bunnies needed male private parts! BOYS! Kristyn and I also made the deviled eggs for Sunday. Saturday night, their dad wanted to take them to a BBQ place in Little Rock and the kids wanted me to go so I did. We had a good time.

Sunday, the three of us got up and went to church at 9:00. It was a good service and then left in the pouring rain. Got home and I finished up lunch while Kristyn set the table really pretty and made bags of cookies with ribbon for Mitchell, Susanna and her dad.

I invited Dave and his parents over for lunch so they could see the kids. Zach is torn when he comes home over who to spend time with and I don't want him to feel that way so I decided its easier for me to endure so that he can be comfortable and want to come home. All went well except some frustration inside of me.

We had...honeybaked ham, potato salad, green bean bundles, corn casserole, homemade macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs and rolls. I made strawberries in sugar to go with the pound cake for dessert and cookies of course. I divided all the left overs up and sent them with everyone so they wouldn't be left in my house. I love sending food back to school with the kids. For the first time at a holiday meal, I asked Zach to pray and he did. Touched my heart!

They liked their Easter baskets. I get them things they need and then add the kind of candy they like. Kristyn got perfume and a couple of bracelets, scarves and socks. Zach a shirt, socks, sunflower seeds and candy. Mitchell a shirt and sunflower seeds and candy. Susanna got dark chocolate, candy and socks.

Kristyn surprised me with a coffee cup made by the art students at UofA, its so unique, I love it. She put some candy in it and a charm that has the shape of AR on one side and a razorback on the other for my pandora bracelet.

We did a lot of laughing this weekend which I LOVE. Also, I had bought a tower of crayons and new coloring books. Both of the kids colored such pretty pictures. Its a tradition for us.

I so enjoyed having my kids at church with me and to be able to worship with them on this special Sunday of Jesus' resurrection. I am a blessed mom!

Catching UP!!!!

I cannot believe its been a month since I last posted. Time gets away quickly. So I thought today I would write about what has been going on in my life the last month.

Zach and Kristyn were both on spring break. Zach came home the first weekend but then had to go back for baseball, his highschool team was not on spring break. So, after he left we went to the chapel kristyn is getting married and took a tour. Mitchell (fiance), his mom Sharon, Kristyn and I went. That was fun and the chapel is so beautiful. It is at Hendrix College and has the stained glassed windows, one isle (which is very important to K) and beautiful wood work. Also, a fantastic looking organ. The four of us went to dinner together afterwards. Fun times!
The next day we went to meet with the florist and ordered flowers. Scott is so amazing and has such wonderful ideas.

On Wednesday afternoon Kristyn and I went to Fayetteville to spend the rest of the week with Zach and of course so she could see Mitchell. We stayed with Zach because all of his roommates were gone. That was fun. Zach had even washed his sheets for his Ma to sleep in his bed. Didn't get it made but at least he washed them! I cleaned their kitchen, his bathroom, vacuumed, dusted, swept, mopped and did laundry. You know, 6 guys, 1 house, their idea of clean and a moms idea of clean, 2 different things.

They took me to dinner at Wasabi, their favorite rest. for sushi. I tried but I didn't like it...sorry I'm just not a sushi girl.

On Friday night we got to see Zach help coach the baseball team. My heart just swelled watching him. Kristyn made fun of me because she could just see my heart melting watching him. You would have thought he was the head coach. I miss going to baseball games and watching him and all the "boys" play and this night brought back the memories. For any of you other Moms that were at those games with me, it was freezing, remember???? And then, to see him out there being called "Coach James" like he is an adult or something, oh I guess he is, isn't he! At one point he was at the door of the dugout and every one of those boys were standing right behind him just talking to him. He loves doing this and I think will make a great coach. Oh, they also won their games that night, it was a double header. His coach told me I had to come to every game since they won. They are a young team and so don't win a lot of games. We went to IHOP after the game and he began telling me and Kristyn about all the boys, who they liked, what they were like etc. So fun!

It was fun just hanging out with the three kids during the week without interruptions. Zach, Kristyn and I even ended up in the same bed one morning...just like the ol days. I'm sure Mitchell wishes he could have been there for that!

Ok, moving on...Kristyn came home last weekend and we went shopping all day Saturday. She is looking for an outfit to wear for her engagement pictures that are coming up! We had so much fun, laughing, talking, eating and shopping for her, of course.

Kristyn is majoring in nursing, wants to be a labor and delivery nurse. She studies all the time, goes the extra mile to go to study labs they provide for classes. She has to apply for nursing school and they only take a certain amount at the UofA and her desire is to be accepted on her time schedule so she can finish her degree on time. She received an email last week inviting her to join the NASC Honor Society Membership. It is by invitaion only and has a lot of benefits for joining. I'm so proud of her for putting so much effort into her classes. She is very goal oriented and focused. She will make a wonderful nurse some day. She will also make a beautiful bride come December!

Wedding...well, we have the photographer, the place, the reception, flowers, bridesmaids dresses. The next biggies are the cake and the wedding dress!!! She has her mind about made up on invitations. Mitchell has booked their honeymoon...they are going on a cruise. They will get married, spend the weekend away, be home for Christmas, then leave on their honeymoon January 2. He has also reserved the car to take them from the wedding to the reception. They are now applying for their passports. Mitchell has decided what he wants to do for his bachelor celebration. He wants to go to Texas to see the Razorbacks play in the new stadium. His dad is working on making that happen for him. What a fun weekend that will be for him and his guys and the dads.

They are having a very traditional, elegant wedding. It will be such a wonderful celebration of Kristyn and Mitchell. Its so sweet because neither of them want the other to be overlooked, they want everything to be about both of them. The ceremony to be a sacred moment and the rest to be a time of celebrating them. I will be investing in the softest kleenex I can find. I'm so happy for them and am so excited to see them start their life together but this moma will cry and has cried.

Well, as you can tell the last month has been a lot about my kiddo's, as usual. It is so nice to enjoy them so much at this age as I did at every other age. God has blessed me with two great children and soon to be one son-in-law. (Just don't tell him I said that!)

I have been taking a class on Tuesday nights, its a pretty deep class about figuring out "your stuff"! Also, I have started a new aphgan, its going to be so pretty. The colors are a deep purple, taupe, green and a deep burgandy. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Its been fun catching up and I'm going to try to get some more pics on here soon. I promise. The kids will be home for Easter and so I hope to get some good pictures that weekend. Easter, what a time that is...when Christ got on that cross for every single one of us and for every single one of our sins and took that weight on Himself and died so that we could live and so we could be forgiven. There is no sin to big for Him and nothing happens to us that He can't handle. Then, then He arose. Gives me chill bumps to think of such a God. I am thankful to know Him and I hope if you are reading this, you know Him too. If not, ask me about Him.

My Boy!

It's baseball season again! This is his 17th year of baseball. He began instructional league when he was 4 years old. This year it's a little different though. He is coaching! Now, for this mom, that is crazy!

This is Zach's senior year of high school. 2006.

Zach is getting his degree in Kenesiology. He wants to be a coach and teach history or P.E. About 15 minutes from Fayetteville, where he goes to school, is a town named West Fork. He is doing something like an internship with the high school baseball team.

He is right handed but bats left!

Does he love it, well, of course he does. The coaches are really good guys and are allowing Zach to really be involved in helping coach. He is riding the bus just like the 'ol days, wearing a uniform, even got new shoes (fortunately I didn't have to pay for this pair, the school did!)

Baseball is truly his passion. What an awesome thing if he gets to do this for a living. How many people do you or I know that actually love what they do? And, he'll be working with kids and God can use him to impact their lives for His glory. Isn't that great!

I can't wait to go watch him in a game. That will be so fun! I miss the days of going to the ballpark and watching baseball and softball games 3-4 nights a week. That was our life and I loved it.

March 3

My scripture this 1/2 of the month is:
Psalm 73:26
My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; He is all I ever need.

I NEED this verse this week...I have grown tired and weary and need God's strength and for Him to lift me out of this pit.

Do you ever wonder what brings on sadness...loneliness...depression. You seem to be going along doing ok and then its like a dark cloud just moves over top and refuses to move on and let the sun come back out. Makes no sense to me.

One thing I know is that God is my refuge and my strength and no matter what else, He is here with me, even if I can't feel Him.

So for those of you who aren't on top of your game this week, here's to you and to me, may God be our strength and let His Son shine thru quickly in our lives.

:)

Hello Beth, 

This is how you put a picture on your blog! I love you!!

Your favorite daughter ever! :)

What happened to the 15th?????

I cannot believe no one has called me out on this one. I didn't put a post about our scriptures for February 15th. Time got away from me and I do apologize. So, I'm wondering did you go ahead and change your scripture or are you still working on the first 3? What is going on out there scripture sisters?

I have to admit I've had a harder time with my verses this time. But, I'm going to keep on keepin on. Do you remember that saying? I hope you are joining me in keeping your scripture memorization going.

Come on girls, we can do this...we are only in February...let's do this together. Let me know how you are doing?

Colossians 3:16a- Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
The above is my verse and what I desire to do, I want God's word to dwell in me, richly. I want to know His word.
love
beth

I love this!

Scripture Sisters,

I love you all sending me your scripture. Just reading them gives me this wonderful feeling. I want to memorize them all with you. They are all so fitting for me and you. Isn't that awesome. You go girls!!!!! I'm so proud of all of you...and thankful for the Word and how powerful it is and real and true and God-breathed.

Thank you for joining with me in this adventure, its boost me to keep going and to keep learning. Where 2 or more are gathered together...well here we are and I know God is smiling at us!

Have a great week.
b

February 1

Its February 1st! We should have all memorized at least 2 verses for the month of January.

Now onto the 3rd for the first half of February.

I would like to memorize Psalm 63:1-8 and so I'm just going to write all 8 verses, it may take me a while to memorize it all but I'm hoping it will come quickly.

1) O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2) I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3) Because your LOVE is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4) I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5) My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6) On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7) Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8) My soul clings to you;
Your right hand upholds me.

I pray the Lord will continually draw us to Himself thru memorizing His word. Ask and you shall receive, so I'm asking that His word would become a part of us, that we would think on it when we lay down to sleep and when we awake in the morning. Through remembering His word we would be changed and He would be glorified!
b

Kids and Ice Storms

As you have probably heard, an ice storm hit Fayetteville, AR this week. I realize this week how hard it is for me to be here without my children when there is crisis going on. They are fine, a little irritable maybe, but ok. They have all seem to handle themselves fine. Zach's house is without electricity, Kristyn's fiance's apt is without elec., Kristyn's dorm has elec. but she has no food there. So, they have been floating around. Of course, I wish they were home with me but neither of them want to come home.

Reality check. They are growing up and even though there is unpleasant times they are sticking it out and handling the moment. That is what I raised them to be, right? UGH!

They were both home last weekend and didn't want to make the trip back home. I have discovered Zach feels like he has to please to much when he is here. He feels torn about where to spend his time, between me and his dad. I know where that pressure is coming from and its not his moma. I just want them to want to come home, thats all. And feel comfortable being home and not feel pressure to have to be with or do anything with anyone.

Krsityn has been sick this entire time with soar throat, cold, headache. Her and Mitchell went to WalMart last night after he got off work at 11:00 to get her some drugs. WalMart had closed at 10:00 p.m. due to the weather!

I've noticed I have had a really hard time sleeping this week. I think because I'm thinking about them sleeping in the cold or not and wondering where they are.

All of this to say...my kids are growing up and handling themselves pretty well and I'm back here wanting to still be a mom and finding I'm not needed so much. Another reality check. I know this is the way its supposed to be but that doesn't mean its easy.

Way to go kids and the way you've managed this week and I just know I'll be better the next time something happens, won't I?